Choosing what college to go to is a big decision for every young adult and their parents. Which route they choose to take will affect many aspects of their future, from where they will live to what job they will end up in. As their parent, you play an important role in helping them choose the right institution. So it’s a good idea to be prepared for this decision so that you can provide them the best advice and direction possible. If you are new to this process, here is some useful information on how you can help your children when they reach this crossroad in their lives.
Discussion
It’s a really good idea to start talking with daughter or son before you start looking at potential institutions and filling out college applications. You can discuss important elements like which career path they want to take, what location they want to be based in and generally what they want to get out of their. It’s also important to discuss and be frank about the financial situation early on. This will give your child a good idea of how much you can contribute and whether they should be considering scholarships, grants and other financial aid.
Research
You are already on the right track by reading this post, so keep up the research! There are thousands and thousands of post-secondary education institutions in the country, so it can be very difficult to know where to start. Your child will undoubtedly feel overwhelmed by all the possibilities, so taking on some of the research is a great way to be of help. College decision resources provide information on rankings, academic programs, campus descriptions and social aspects. So, these are well worth consulting. You’ll also want to read up on the admission processes as they can vary depending on the institution. Now, in case you are helping your kids with higher education, say business school admission, consider approaching consultation firms like Fortuna Admissions where you can get professional help.
Campus visits
When your son or daughter begins to visit his or her shortlist of colleges, you may wish to offer to accompany them. This way you can provide your child with a vital second opinion. More than one set of eyes and ears is always a good idea when checking out colleges, as you may notice things that they miss, and vice versa. Once your child reaches the campus tour stage, they will probably be feeling quite stressed about the decision they soon have to make. So any way you can help to release some of the pressure during the visits, would, I’m sure, be appreciated. You could take notes and photos, allowing them to focus their attention on speaking to professors or students. If you are travelling far, you may want to combine it with a little holiday, just to make things a little lighter.
Your child will undoubtedly appreciate your help and advice with this big decision. However, it is important to remember that they are about to launch into a far more independent stage of life. The decision is ultimately theirs, but you can be there to guide them along the way. Good luck!
